Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Mahlathini — Ejerusalem Siyakhona (1988)

The confluence of popular music and religion has been a fecund terrain around the world, but nowhere as danceable as in African music, and in South African gospel in particular (consider Pure Gold, for example). This relatively obscure record from Mahlathini reveals its holy intent on the cover, and the fervent singing on the vinyl is right in line. Recorded before his reunion with the original Mahotella Queens for the massively popular Thokozile and Paris-Soweto albums, the dogma on this record is delivered over the characteristic thumping mbaqanga produced by West Nkosi. Produced in 1986 by Gallo Records, this 1988 pressing was released on Celluloid in the U$ to capitalize on the success of the Mahlathini/ Mahotella Queens records. Immune to the Christian messages because of my ignorance of the Zulu language, I am content to immerse myself in the upbeat music and the wonderful singing.

The first reunion lp was recorded in '83 followed by another in '84, and tracks from these appeared on the first Indestructible Beat of Soweto compilation long before either of the two Euro-friendly lps mentioned in the post. So, this one indeed precedes any success or recognition he received from anyone outside South Africa in the late '80s.

I have Ejerusalem Siyakhona safely stored in a basement in Pennsylvania. The problem is that I live in Madrid and I just didn't know how or when I was ever going to listen to this beautiful music again. I've just downloaded it now--I'm listening to it as I write. THANKS!--it is so good to hear this again!

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